Barb Heckman

Barbara Jean (Redfern) Heckman Obituary

On March 2, 1942, in Chadron, Nebraska Sterling & Eula Redfern along with their son, Donald, welcomed their first baby girl Barbara Jean into the world. She would tragically lose her brother when she was 4. When she turned 8 she became a big sister to Virgina Kay and had a forever confidant, with whom she shared a love of shopping, laughing together, holidays, and a passion for crafting and sewing. Barb enjoyed many projects, and made many hair pin lace crochet afghans for family and friends, especially their newborn babies. Her favorite medium was plastic canvas, she made countless items that were also given as gifts, the most impressive being a huge two story dollhouse. She was busy with her hands up until her eyesight became too poor to continue.

She met her future husband Gary Heckman while attending Chadron Prep, from which she graduated in 1959.

She and Gary were married on August 5, 1962. Shortly afterward they made their way to Santa Barbara, California where Gary attended photography classes at Brooks Institute. During that time Barb worked at St. Francis Hospital as an insurance clerk. Two years later they moved back to Barb's hometown where she and Gary opened a photography studio on Main Street that was in operation for 3 years. While in Chadron their first son Rocky Lynn was welcomed in 1969.

The family of 3 found themselves in Lincoln and then Beatrice where they made their home for 10 years. Robby Lee completed the family in 1973.

1983 would bring them home to Chadron where Barb and her sister opened a consignment craft store named Country Cousins that they ran together for a year before the Heckmans would move to Arvada Colorado and ultimately Colorado Springs.

Barb & Gary knew no strangers and welcomed all friends that Rocky and Robby brought home and introduced them to. In several instances they didn't hesitate to open their home when some of those friends landed on hard times and needed a temporary place to live.

During their time in Colorado Springs Barb worked at Zion Bancor Bank in Denver, making the daily commute for several years until their closing. She and Gary then spent several more years working from home selling advertising specialty products for many companies.

In 1999 they moved back to Nebraska for the last time and made their home in Crawford with Gary's mom, becoming her caretakers until her passing. 2005 brought an exciting opportunity for Barb to become the organizer of Fort Robinson's annual Western & Wildlife Art Show. She took on the challenging task of growing the Art Show from 16 artists to so many they had to be put on waiting lists to attend. Barb's treasured collection of friends and memories grew significantly during this time. In 2015 Barb's failing eyesight and the decline of Gary's health forced her to reluctantly turn over the reins of the beloved art show. Gary would succumb to his battle with cancer the following year.

After Gary's passing, Barb spent her remaining years at her home in Crawford still enjoying the company of friends and family, visiting in person or over the phone. She graciously opened her home to many, also hosting several years worth of 4th of July celebrations. She made everyone she talked to feel like it made her day to see and talk to them. She showed a genuine interest in your life, always asking questions about family news and current goings on.

Barb is survived by her son Rocky and his wife Stefani of Canberra, Australia, and her son Robby (and Patty) of Crawford Nebraska. 2 granddaughters, Elyssia and Kieralli Heckman, grandson Adric Dodd, countless cousins, 2 nieces and 2 nephews, several great and great-great nieces and nephews.